Often Luc feels like he is incredibly unlucky. After all, he was born with only one ear and his father seems to despise him. But when he becomes an apprentice to a fisherman Luc feels that his luck might be changing. It turns out that he has a real talent for life at sea, and soon his nets are full. He develops strong bonds with Pons, the old fisherman, his sister Mattie, and Beatrice, the daughter of a disgraced knight whom Pons and Mattie care for. Life as a fisherman is simple, but for the first time Luc is truly happy. But Luc's luck changes again for the worst when he is kidnapped at sea and sold into slavery in Africa. Luc's situation could certainly be worse - his master is a kind and respected man who gives Luc a wonderful education - but even under these favorable circumstances Luc is still a slave and fears that he may never be able to return to his home in France. Meanwhile, Beatrice is determined that Luc be found and in so doing uncovers a secret about his origins that would change his life forever...if only they knew where Luc was.
Set at the turn of the 16th Century primarily in France, author Constance Leeds has crafted a masterful piece of historical fiction in the form of The Unfortunate Son. The writing is filled with so many little details about life in this time and place. Each and every one of the characters is well-developed and likable. The plot is filled with equal parts adventure and intrigue with a dash of subtle humor thrown in for good measure. Most intriguing is the way that this book gets readers to think: How does one deal with an unfortunate situation? What does it really mean to be lucky or unlucky?
This book remains on Elizabeth Bird's list of picks for the 2013 Newbery, and I'll agree that this book is certainly deserving. Great writing, the setting, unique plotting, and interesting characters help this title stand out from the crowd and make it truly "distinguished."
Overall Grade: A
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